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What Are the Cleveland, Ohio Car Accident Laws?

December 5, 2017

The problem with a car accident in Cleveland, Ohio, is that like any other accident, it happens at the worst possible time. You can be a safe driver and obey all the rules of the road and still end up with damages and injuries due to a car accident with another driver. Any car accident can leave your car in ruins and you with physical and emotional damages. The smallest collision may result in extensive physical injuries that will make it impossible for you to work your normal job for an extended period. After an accident, you will have medical bills, vehicle repair charges, be unable to work for several weeks or months, and possibly have no car at all if it is a total loss due to damage. After you sustain injuries and property damages in a car accident, you will need to consult with a car accident attorney to help you collect the compensation you need to get your life back on track.

All road and highways in Cleveland, Ohio are full of drivers at any given time of the day or night. Even if you are the safest driver on the road, there is still a chance you may be in an accident with another driver. Not everyone uses caution when they operate their motor vehicle. After an accident, there will be many details you will have to deal with as you work to get your medical treatment taken care of and get your car to the repair shop. There are even times when the other driver may try to blame you for the accident, or the insurance company does not want to compensate you for your damages and injuries. You will need to hire a good car accident attorney to ensure the responsible party pays for your medical injuries and the property damage to your car.

The Ohio Car Accident Fault System

Not sure if you should hire a car accident attorney for your case? Contact the Chester Law Group today!

A car accident attorney will explain to you that Cleveland adheres to the “fault” system when it comes to assessing blame for vehicle accidents. This means that you will be able to collect damages and compensation for your injuries and damages from the responsible party driving the car or their insurance carrier. When you are not at fault for the accident, you will be able to pursue one of three options to collect compensation:

You can file a claim with your insurance carrier, who will in turn attempt to collect the necessary funds from the responsible party’s insurance carrier

You can file a third-party claim against the insurance carrier of the driver responsible for the accident

With the assistance of your Ohio car accident attorney, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver

When you decide to make a claim with the other driver’s insurance company, an insurance adjuster will review any proof and documentation available to them to decide as to who is responsible for the accident. If you have to file a lawsuit, your car accident attorney will tell you that it is the jury or a judge that will assess blame. The type of evidence that will aid in determining fault often includes:

Eyewitness statements

Pictures of the accident scene and damage to your vehicle or property

Hospital records documenting injuries

Police accident reports

Since police accidents reports can play a major factor in assessing blame for your car accident, it is always a good idea to contact the local authorities to come out to the accident scene. You must notify the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) if there is a serious injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 resulting from the car collision.

Cleveland, Ohio Car Insurance Requirements

All drivers that plan to operate a vehicle on Cleveland roads and highways must have the state minimum liability insurance on their cars at all times, and the laws are typically the same for all areas of the state. It is also a requirement of the state to carry uninsured motorist coverage on your vehicle. The minimum car insurance requirements for Cleveland are as follows:

$25,000 worth of insurance coverage in case of the injury or death per individual

$50,000 worth of insurance coverage to compensate for all individuals in any one accident

$25,000 worth of insurance coverage to compensate for property or car damages you may cause in the accident

It does not matter if you decide to file your claim for damages and injuries with your insurance carrier, or the responsible driver’s insurance company, you should consult with a car accident attorney to get a clear understanding of what you will encounter with your claim. Even if you decide not to hire a lawyer, you will be able to get some sound advice as to how to proceed with your claim and case. It is always better to have all pertinent information before you decide to enter into any type of legal situation with little to no knowledge.

A car accident attorney will also be able to help you file an appeal of the insurance company’s decision if you do not agree with the settlement offer you receive for your accident. Your lawyer will have the experience necessary to negotiate with the insurance company to make sure all aspects of your damages receive consideration and payment in the final settlement.

Call the Chester Law Group for an Ohio Car Accident Attorney

When you or someone you love sustains injuries and property damage from a car accident, contact our office so our car accident attorneys can help you find an acceptable resolution to your case. We have experience working and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation settlement available for injuries and damages. It is our job to make sure you and your family receive the justice you deserve. We will work hard to protect your well-being and future.

Call our experienced car accident attorneys at the Chester Law Group today so we can get to work on your case as soon as possible. We are here to help you and your family. Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call or complete the intake form below.